ESSFTA: Breeder Referral

Recommended Reading
Welcome to the ESSFTA Breeder Education and Referral Page. If you're interested in getting an English Springer Spaniel, we recommend you start by reading The Decision to Get A Dog, and then progress to The Spaniel Manual.
	The Decision to Get A Dog by Sandi Dremel
	The "Right" Springer by Cathy Lewis
	The Spaniel Manual
	ESS Rescue Information
	The Springer Puppy - Internet Search Site
Breeder Referral and Education Program (BERP)
There are approximately 1000 ESSFTA members in the United States and Canada who participate in Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Conformation Events, Obedience, Agility and Tracking. Most members are happy to answer questions. Most ESSFTA breeders focus exclusively on either show OR field springers, but some are active with both. Even though you may not intend to field trial or show your dog, it's important to select your new pet based on the types of activities you're interested in - hunting, field trialing, obedience, agility, tracking, hiking, bike riding, or just everyday interaction with family and friends.
The purpose of the ESSFTA Breeder Education and Referral Program is to provide information to the public about the care and ownership of the English Springer Spaniel. It is not the intent of this program to assist you directly with finding a mate for your dog. If you are considering breeding your own dog, you may find it beneficial to discuss your objectives with some of the knowledgeable participants on the breeder referral list. Be aware that all of the ESSFTA member breeders on the breeder referral list are expected to abide by the ESSFTA Guidelines for Responsible Breeders. In addition to requirements they've established for their own breeding program, they may expect that you will follow these guidelines as well. Before you make a commitment to breed your dog, please review these guidelines.
Although each person on the breeder referral list is a member in good standing with the ESSFTA (Parent Club), we cannot personally guarantee each breeder. Nor can we assure they will be the right breeder for you. Don't be discouraged if you are not a good fit with the first breeder you speak with. Continue your search by contacting others on the list, even if they do not live in your area. If you contact one of our members, and they know of someone else who has puppies, but that person is not a participating ESSFTA member, we have no way of knowing if they adhere to responsible breeding practices. The reading materials on this page will help you learn the right questions to ask so that you can make a well-educated decision - one that will affect your life for many years to come. A sample list of pertinent questions that you may want to ask any reputable breeder is included in the The Spaniel Manual. Do not make a hasty decision. Ask all the right questions and expect all the right answers!
Some of you may have questions about the cost of an English Springer Spaniel puppy. For a pet quality springer from show lines (bred for conformation, but is not show quality), or field-bred lines (bred exclusively for hunting and/or field trials from proven field lines), prices generally range between $600-$1000. If you are interested in a Conformation/Show prospect, it may be difficult to give an average price for such a prospect because many breeders enter into co-ownerships with various conditions and arrangements that impact the initial cash purchase price. We recommend that you inform the breeders you speak with that you are interested in a show prospect, if that is the case.
Hopefully, our participants will be able to answer most of your questions. If you have general questions (not pertaining to breeder referral), please contact us at ESShelp@essfta.org . If you a seeking to re-home an ESS, or if you would like information on ESS rescue programs, see the ESS Rescue Information page.
ESSFTA Breeder Education & Referral Program Participating Members:	BERP members listed by state BERP Members listed alphabetically
Breeder Referral Program Application (for ESSFTA Members Only)
BERP Breeder Application The BERP program is for ESSFTA members who have been members for a minimum of one year. This program is first and foremost an education program and not merely a forum for selling puppies. All participants are expected to act with kindness and respect to those who are trying to educate themselves about the English Springer Spaniel. The true purpose of this program is for ESSFTA members to share their experience and foresight, and to help guide them in making the most educated decision for their family. BERP Breeder Complaint Form
Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view the BERP application and lists. Download the latest version from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html